Rutland County Council Appeals for Fair Government Funding to Cover Food Waste Collection Costs

Rutland County Council Appeals for Fair Government Funding to Cover Food Waste Collection Costs

Rutland County Council is urging the Government to provide additional funding to support the mandatory introduction of food waste collections in 2026.

The Council is concerned about the significant financial burden that this new requirement will place on local taxpayers. With a shortfall of approximately £190,000 in capital funding, the Council is seeking support to purchase essential vehicles and equipment.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Gale Waller, expressed disappointment with the timing of the mandate, which falls before the current waste contract ends in 2028. She believes that introducing the new service mid-contract will increase costs and create unnecessary challenges.

Cllr Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, emphasized the need for residents to play their part in reducing food waste. She urged residents to be mindful of what they throw away and to recycle as much as possible.

The Council is encouraging residents to:

• Plan meals: Avoid overbuying and reduce food waste.
• Use leftovers: Get creative with leftovers and transform them into new meals.
• Recycle correctly: Ensure that recyclables are clean, dry, and loose.

By working together, the Council and residents can minimise the impact of food waste and ensure a sustainable future for Rutland.